Position Information

NY HELPNo

AgencyPublic Service, Department of

TitleRenewable Energy Siting Specialist Trainee*, NS or Renewable Energy Siting Specialist 1

Occupational CategoryOther Professional Careers

Salary Grade18

Bargaining UnitPS&T - Professional, Scientific, and Technical (PEF)

Salary RangeFrom $53764 to $85138 Annually

Employment Type Full-Time

Appointment Type Permanent

Jurisdictional Class Non-competitive Class

Travel Percentage 15%

Schedule

Workweek Mon-Fri

Hours Per Week 37.5

Workday

From 9 AM

To 5 PM

Flextime allowed? No

Mandatory overtime? No

Compressed workweek allowed? Yes

Telecommuting allowed? Yes

Location

County Albany

Street Address 6 Empire State Plaza Bldg 3

City Albany

StateNY

Zip Code12205

Job Specifics

Duties Description The Renewable Energy Siting Specialist 1, Grade 18, will work in the Office of Renewable Energy Siting and Electric Transmission (ORES). Successful incumbents may be assigned to one of several program areas within the Office and will work collaboratively with subject matter experts, project managers, attorneys, and other stakeholders to evaluate applications, conduct analyses, support permitting activities, and ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and permit conditions. Specific duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Reviewing siting applications, compliance filings, and supporting documentation to ensure consistency with applicable laws, rules, and regulations.
• Making recommendations concerning courses of action necessary to issue siting application permits consistent with applicable laws, rules, and regulations.
• Providing technical assistance and information to consultants, public officials, and facility managers.
• Preparing original writing of complex scientific and technical information.
• Participating in meetings with consultants, project applicants, and other agency staff to address missing information or to clarify information submitted.
• Gathering data, analyzing application materials, and preparing written reports to recommend further action.
• Developing and presenting siting application conditions, administrative proceedings, briefs, comments, and draft findings.
• Conducting on-site field inspections and remote assessments as part of application review and compliance enforcement during the active construction, operations, and decommissioning phases of the project.
• Responding to public comments and participating in internal and multi-party meetings, conferences, public outreach events, and hearings.
• Preparing for and attending adjudicatory hearings.
• Developing and maintaining environmental data information systems and performing analyses of data.
• Special projects and additional relevant duties assigned.

Minimum Qualifications General Public
For appointment to Renewable Energy Siting Specialist Trainee 1, you must have four years of professional experience (see below substitutions) in environmental impact review or study of electricity, gas, water, telecommunications, or renewable energy projects such as solar and wind; development or analysis of land use policies for electricity, gas, water, telecommunications, or renewable energy projects; or specialized experience** related to energy transmission or production facilities.

For appointment to Renewable Energy Siting Specialist Trainee 2, you must have five years of professional experience (see below substitutions) as stated above.

For appointment to Renewable Energy Siting Specialist 1, Grade 18, you must have six years of professional experience (see below substitutions) as stated above.

Substitutions: an associate degree may substitute for two years of experience; a bachelor’s degree may substitute for four years of experience; a master’s degree may substitute for five years of experience; a J.D. may substitute for six years of experience

**Specialized experience must be in fields such as agriculture, anthropology, archeology, architecture, avian sciences, botany, civil/construction engineering, climate change, electrical power systems engineering, energy planning, environmental compliance, environmental engineering, environmental justice, fire protection, geography, geology, geotechnical engineering, hydrology, landscape architecture, mining engineering, noise/acoustics engineering, planning, real estate, seismology, socio-economics, terrestrial ecology, transportation/highway engineering, or urban affairs.

Wildlife and Terrestrial Ecology
Preference will be given to applicants with education, training, or experience in terrestrial ecology, wildlife biology, and/or natural resource impact analysis. Familiarity with the wildlife of New York; and experience in a regulatory role, project management, and working with applicants is desirable. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong GIS and data management skills.

Wetlands and Water Resources
Preference will be given to applicants with education, training, and field experience in wetland ecology and delineation, aquatic biology, and natural resource impact analysis. Familiarity with NYS and Federal regulatory programs for wetlands and surface waters; and experience in a regulatory role, project management, and/or working with permit applicants is desirable. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong GIS and data management skills.

Project Management
Preference will be given to applicants with project management experience related to renewable energy and/or transmission development, or with a background in a regulatory role. Project Management experience or education is also desirable.

Civil Engineering
Preferred candidates would have educational backgrounds and/or professional experience in Architectural Studies, Civil Engineering, Civil Engineering Technology, Environmental Engineering, geotechnical, traffic, and hydraulic engineering utility infrastructure or related fields.

It is preferred that candidates for all program areas have familiarity with regulatory review and permitting processes, project management principles, and/or experience working collaboratively with applicants and stakeholders. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong organizational, written and communication skills.

Transfer
Must be a current New York State Department of Public Service employee with one year or more of permanent, competitive service as a Renewable Energy Siting Specialist 1, Grade 18.

Additional Comments About the Department:
The New York State Department of Public Service (DPS or Department) works to: ensure safe, affordable, and reliable access to electric, gas, steam, water, and telecommunications services at just and reasonable rates for New York State customers, protect the natural environment, reduce greenhouse gas emissions via transmission and siting of renewable energy resources, and augment the resiliency of utility infrastructure. Learn more about DPS and how you can make a difference by checking out our video and more at: https://dps.ny.gov/employment-opportunities.

Additional Comments:
*Successful completion of the two-year traineeship leads to appointment as a Renewable Energy Siting Specialist 1, Grade 18.

The above salary reflects the position’s full compensation range. Appointments may be made at the Trainee 1, Trainee 2, or full-performance level, with the starting salary corresponding to the level at which the candidate is appointed. If the position is filled in the New York City location, the salary range above would increase by the Downstate Adjustment of $4,000.

This position will require at least 15% travel which requires possession of a valid driver’s license.


Equal Opportunity Employer:
The Department of Public Service is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know by contacting the Designee for Reasonable Accommodations (DRA) and Americans with Disabilities Act Coordinator which can be found under the Accessibility Link on the Department’s webpage at https://dps.ny.gov.

Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.

How to Apply

Name Human Resources Management - CG

Telephone

Fax (518) 473-9990

Email Address recruiting@dps.ny.gov

Address

Street 3 Empire State Plaza

City Albany

State NY

Zip Code 12223

 

Notes on ApplyingPlease send a resume, cover letter, and proof of meeting the minimum qualifications to recruiting@dps.ny.gov or fax to Human Resources Management at (518)473-9990. Please reference “Renewable Energy Siting Specialist 1, posting 00974 - ALB” when applying. Applicants may indicate a preferred section assignment in their application; however, assignment decisions will be based on operational needs and candidate qualifications.